Around the Region:

Looking for a quick trip? Here are some regional attractions and events to consider.

Arkansas

Through Sunday (Aug. 24): Twenty-fifth annual Fall Bluegrass Festival -- Bluegrass and gospel music, acoustic instruments, jam sessions, arts and crafts, food vendors and fishing. Showers, restrooms, camping facilities available. No alcohol permitted. Admission: $10 Thursday; $10 Friday; $12 Saturday; $30 three-day pass. Camp daily $8. Cadron Creek Park in Little Rock; (501) 920-9534.

Sept. 1: Third annual Canoe/Kayak Trip -- Join a park interpreter for a guided canoe/kayak trip down the White River, departing from the trout dock and traveling about two hours down river to Gaston's Resort. Space is limited and reservations are required. The trip is dependent on ideal weather and river conditions. Contact Bull Shoals-White River State Park in Bull Shoals with questions. $15 adults, $7.50 kids ages 6-12; (870) 445-3629.

Sept. 6: Arkansas State Championship Hillbilly Chili Cook-Off -- Cooks from all over Arkansas and surrounding states compete for the title of Arkansas's Best Chili. Taste the chili and visit vendors. From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Bull Shoals-White River State Park in Bull Shoals. Free; (870) 445-3629 or e-mail bullshoalswhiteriver@arkansas.com

Missouri

Through Sept. 28: Flight City: St. Louis Takes to the Air -- A thrilling exploration of the history of flight in the region. Photos, personal stories and, gallery activities. At the Missouri History Museum at 5700 Lindell Blvd., in Forest Park. Free. (314) 746-4599; mohistory.org.

Tennessee

Aug. 30: Sixteenth annual Crape Myrtle Festival -- Crafts, live entertainment, children's games, live entertainment, specialty foods and more. In Ardmore; (931) 363-3789.

Sept. 6: Grinder's Switch Music and Arts Festival -- Centerville's public square will be filled with food, arts & crafts, children's activities and continuous music beginning with the Grinders Switch Radio Hour; (931) 729-5774.

Sept. 18: Gatlingburg's Taste of Autumn -- Sample signature dishes from the area's finest restaurants at this 11th annual event. Enjoy live entertainment and an auction with a cash bar. Proceeds benefit United Way of Sevier County. Doors of the Gatlinburg Convention Center open at 5 p.m.; (800) 568-4748.

Mississippi

Sept. 4-7: Tennessee Williams Tribute Weekend -- Honoring one of the South's most prolific playwrights, the weekend event will feature a tour of Victorian Homes, theatrical plays by Tennessee Williams, a gallery exhibit of photographs and much more. In Columbus; (662) 328-0222 (800) 327-2686, columbus-ms.org.

Sources: escapetothesoutheast.com, arkansas.com, visitmississippi.org, tnvacation.com, visitmo.com.

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